Subscription Required

Thank you for reading the MtDemocrat.com digital edition. In order to continue reading this story please choose one of the following options.

Current Subscribers
If you are a current subscriber and wish to obtain access to MtDemocrat.com, please select the
Subscriber Verification option below. If you already have a login, please select "Login" at the
lower right corner of this box.

Special Introductory Offer
For a short time we will be offering a discount to those who call us in order to obtain access to
MtDemocrat.com and start your print subscription. Our customer support team will be standing by
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm to assist you.

Call and Save! (530) 344-5000

If you are not a current subscriber and wish not to take advantage of our special introductory
offer, please select the $12 monthly option below to obtain access to MtDemocrat.com and start
your online subscription

The first saw fire crews dispatched at 12:13 p.m. to a mobile home park at 1525 Cold Springs Road, space 49, said El Dorado County Fire Capt. Brandon McKay. The home was “heavily damaged throughout,” but crews stopped the fire from affecting wildland or other homes. It was fully controlled by 1:34 p.m.

The second was “right off the offramp” of eastbound Highway 50 and Schnell School Road, backing up to the bike trail, McKay said. A small fire of only 0.16 acre, the fire was reported at 4:44 and contained by the top of the hour. No structures were affected, though, according to a Placerville Police Department press release, some houses were evacuated as a precaution.

The causes of both fires are still under investigation. However, PPD believes that the Schnell School fire may have been caused by a transient camp. “Officers came upon an illegal camp in the immediate vicinity of the fire,” the press release stated. “Although the exact cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, police are confident the illegal camp activities were responsible for sparking the fire.” PPD and County Fire will continue investigating leads based on evidence from the campsite.

“With the chronic drought conditions, we must remain on guard of irresponsible behaviors that can lead to fires on our hillsides,” Police Chief Scott Heller said. “This sort of incident is exactly the reason why we have an illegal camping ordinance in the city.”

Anyone with information on the camp is asked to contact Detective Ron 530-642-5210.